Barry Dean Emmons

Barry Dean Emmons, 63, passed away on October 2, 2024, after a three-year battle with cardiovascular disease initiated by the COVID-19 virus.

Our dad was born in Muncie, Indiana, on August 17, 1961, to R. Gene Emmons and V. Lucille Collier. He grew up in a musical family, with his father and maternal grandfather, Marshall, performing in local bands. He learned guitar and eventually followed in their footsteps to play music, most notably in 65 South, for several years. He also sometimes played with his father in his band, The Stringdusters, when he was younger. His son, Toby, continues our family's musical traditions.

He married our mother, Judy Amonett, in October 1979. While their relationship ended in 2009, they continued to love and support us and participated in family events. Our dad once described our family as a "modern family" after the television show Modern Family because of its diversity and layers. He often encouraged his son, Nichlas, and his husband, Dustin, to adopt children, but they continually choose pugs over human children and prefer to be good uncles instead.

Some of our dad's most significant points of pride are embodied in his daughters, Peggy and Olivia. He has often relied on them for emotional and mental support that they appeared so naturally to provide. They could also better challenge him, and his assumptions about how life should be, and his evolution as a man and father benefited from his relationships with them. In the end, his daughters provided a great deal of care and comfort that paved the way for his next incredible journey.

Our dad also greatly cherished his faith community, viewing many of his spiritual brothers and sisters as critical teachers over the past 25 years. His sisters, Brenda and Julie, who walk in the same community, have been essential sources of familial and spiritual solace that connect him to our ancestors. He always spoke so highly of the importance of this connection. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, he enjoyed contributing to congregational activities and serving as a Regular Pioneer for several years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gene (1979) and Lucille (1994); brother, Rawleigh (2017); three miscarried or stillborn sisters, Jean (1952), June (1954), and Tanya (1968); grandparents, Rufus Emmons (1964), Ivetta Hawkins Emmons Crosely (1973), Marshall Collier (1969), and Gracie Pearl Kissick Collier (2007).

Left to honor his memory and life are his four children, Nichlas (husband, Dustin Nelson), Peggy, Toby (wife, Jessica), and Olivia (partner, Swazy Spangler); nine grandchildren, Ethan Moore (partner, Madison Boling), Gavin Moore, Quentin Moore, Rylan Darrah, Aurora Emmons, August Emmons, Nora Bailey, Ryder Emmons, and Henry Spangler; sisters, Brenda Stover (husband, Mike) and Julie Bradley (husband, Randy); golden retriever, Maggie Mae, and numerous cousins, friends, and extended family near and far.

Our dad opted for a private cremation, and his children will scatter his ashes as directed at a later time. In the coming weeks, a memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Muncie North congregation. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. You may express condolences or share a memory of Barry at www.hinsey-brown.com.